Risk assessment

A risk assessment is an important step in protecting our workers and our business, as well as complying with legal requirements. It helps us focus on the risks that really matter in our workplace – the ones with the potential to cause harm. In many instances, straightforward measures can readily control risks, for example, ensuring spillages are cleaned up promptly so people do not slip. By implementing these measures, we ensure our most valuable asset – our workforce – is protected.

A risk assessment is simply a careful examination of what, in our work, could cause harm to people, so that we can weigh up whether we have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm.

It is also important to remember the definitions of a hazard and a risk to be able to undertake a risk assessment:

a hazard is anything that may cause harm, such as chemicals, electricity, working from ladders, an open drawer, etc.

the risk is the chance, high or low, that somebody could be harmed by these and other hazards, together with an indication of how serious the harm could be.

Once a risk assessment has been completed it is important to remember that communication of the risks and control measures is paramount, to ensure all parties are aware and undertake work with necessary knowledge and measures to prevent harm.

Max and his friends will be here to help you in highlighting the importance of undertaking a risk assessment.